Variety exclusively reports that Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan have been attached to star in June Pictures’ Wildlife, which is written and will be directed by Paul Dano, making it the actor’s directorial debut.

Based on the Richard Ford novel of the same name, the story focuses on a boy who witnesses his parents’ marriage falling apart after his mother finds another man.

In a statement from Andrew Duncan and Alex Saks from June Pictures, they said:

Paul is a natural born storyteller – a force. We are thrilled to collaborate with him and these phenomenal actors to bring his exquisite vision for this film to life.

In a statement from Paul Dano, he said:

In Richard’s book I saw myself and many others. I have always wanted to make films – and have always known I would make films about family. I couldn’t be happier to have such beautiful collaborators like Carey and Jake leading the way.

Dunan and Saks will serve as Producers on the project, along with Jake Gyllenhaal and Riva Marker under the Nine Stories banner. Oren Moverman, Ann Ruark and Paul Dano will also serve as Producers, with Zoe Kasan and Eddie Vaisman serving as Executive Producers. The script was co-written by Paul Dano and Zoe Kasan.